Vieques: The Hidden Gem of Puerto Rico

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-bor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah ver ehl meh-noo, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-bor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs d'yehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [d'yehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Vieques, known to the Taino people as 'Bieke' or 'Small Island', has a rich indigenous history. The Tainos were the original inhabitants of Vieques, and their legacy can still be felt today through archaeological sites and the island's cultural traditions. The Tainos lived in harmony with nature, cultivating crops like cassava and fishing in the abundant waters surrounding the island.

In the late 15th century, Spanish explorers arrived in Vieques, leading to a period of colonization. The island's strategic location made it a valuable asset for Spain, which established sugar plantations and brought African slaves to work on them. The Spanish influence is evident in the island's architecture, language, and customs, which blend with the indigenous heritage to create a unique cultural tapestry.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Vieques became a notorious haven for pirates. The island's secluded coves and bays provided perfect hiding spots for pirate ships. Famed pirates like Roberto Cofresí are said to have used Vieques as a base for their operations, adding a layer of swashbuckling adventure to the island’s history.

In the mid-19th century, Vieques experienced a brief period of Danish control. The Danish West India and Guinea Company established a settlement on the island, contributing to its diverse cultural heritage. Although the Danish presence was short-lived, it left an imprint on the island’s architecture and place names.

In 1941, the United States Navy established a significant presence on Vieques, using the island for military training and munitions testing. This military activity had a profound impact on the island's environment and its residents. Protests and activism by the local population eventually led to the Navy ceasing operations in 2003. The legacy of this period is still visible today, with many former military sites now being reclaimed by nature and serving as reminders of the island's complex history.

Since the departure of the U.S. Navy, Vieques has undergone significant ecological restoration. The island is home to the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest wildlife refuges in the Caribbean. Efforts to clean up and restore the environment have been ongoing, transforming former military lands into thriving ecosystems that attract nature lovers from around the world.

Vieques has seen a resurgence in cultural pride and community initiatives aimed at preserving its unique heritage. Festivals, art exhibitions, and community projects celebrate the island's Taino roots, African influences, and colonial history. The island’s cultural revival is a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people, making Vieques a vibrant and dynamic destination.

Vieques, a small island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico, is accessible by both air and sea. The most convenient way to get there is by flying from San Juan's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) to Vieques' Antonio Rivera Rodríguez Airport (VQS), with flights typically lasting about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from the town of Ceiba on the Puerto Rican mainland; the ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. Ferries run several times a day, but schedules can be subject to change, so it's advisable to check in advance.

Once in Vieques, transportation options include car rentals, publicos (shared vans), taxis, and scooters. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the island, as public transportation is limited. Keep in mind that some of the roads can be rough, so a vehicle with good clearance is preferable. Bicycles are also available for rent and can be a fun way to explore the more accessible areas.

The official currency in Vieques is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially in more remote areas and smaller establishments. There are a few ATMs on the island, but they can run out of cash quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, so plan accordingly.

Vieques is generally considered safe for tourists, but common-sense precautions are advised. Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended and be cautious in less populated areas, especially after dark. There have been occasional reports of petty theft, particularly in the more remote beach areas. It's always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid isolated spots.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The island has a small hospital, Centro de Salud de Vieques, for medical emergencies and several pharmacies for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Be aware that medical facilities are limited, so for serious conditions, you may need to be transported to the mainland.

Fashion: Do wear casual, comfortable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing, especially in town. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, though Vieques is generally laid-back with no strict religious dress codes. Public Transport: Do be patient with the limited public transportation options. Don't expect fixed schedules; times can be flexible. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hola' or 'Buenos días.' A handshake is common when meeting someone new. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as mofongo and fresh seafood. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals; it's considered impolite.

To experience Vieques like a local, consider visiting the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and handmade crafts. Exploring the less touristy beaches, such as Playa Negra and Playa Grande, can offer a more authentic experience. Don’t miss out on the bioluminescent bay tours, a unique natural phenomenon best experienced on moonless nights. Engaging with locals can provide valuable insights and recommendations for hidden gems on the island.